Does Gulf Power turn off the power before a storm?

No. When a major storm strikes, Gulf Power’s computerized system keeps up with the lines and substations that go out of service. This is valuable knowledge because the company knows where to begin restoration once the storm has passed. If power were turned off, Gulf Power would have no idea where the major damage was and restoration would be slowed. Also, turning off all the power ahead of a storm creates a huge safety problem after the storm passes. Once the computerized system lets the operator know which lines are out, the operator will not turn that line back on until repairs are made.

Should I stop the crews in the bucket trucks to let them know my power is out?

No. While Gulf Power line crews are happy to assist customers where possible, stopping them to ask questions or make special requests only slows restoration. If power has been restored to your entire neighborhood, but you are without power, check your meter box for damage, or call Gulf Power’s customer service at 1-800-487 6937.

Why are crews leaving my neighborhood when power is still out?

Be assured Gulf Power crews are not leaving because it’s “the end of the work day.” Crews could be leaving for a variety of reasons: they need to pick up more supplies to continue restoration; conditions have become unsafe; or the problem needs additional work.

Should I call Gulf Power every day that my power’s out to make sure the company knows I don’t have electricity?

Following a severe storm with widespread power interruptions, customers should wait a reasonable amount of time before calling to report an outage. There’s no need to call within the first 24 to 48 hours. The company knows where the power is out because its automated system alerts a technician when a line goes off. As the restoration progresses, Gulf Power will announce through the media if residents in specific areas should call in if they’re still without power.

If my home has structural damage, can’t Gulf Power go ahead and turn power back on before repairs are made?

Putting power lines underground is not Gulf Power’s decision. We put lines underground at the customer’s request. Because it is much more costly — up to 10 times more expensive — to put lines underground, the customers who want it have to pay extra for the installation. It’s just like call waiting or call forwarding on your telephone — those are services that you pay extra for above the basic phone charge. The state of Florida requires Gulf Power to do likewise if a customer wants underground lines.

Going underground is reliable, but it won’t stop all outages. All underground lines have to come out of the ground somewhere. If you have an outage on an underground system it takes much longer to locate it (you can’t see it) and repair it (you have to dig up streets and yards).

Welcome to our Gulf Power NewsCenter. You will find a variety of news and information here, in addition to resources for the members of the media. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact our Media Relations team.